‘You get stuck in the middle’, Mikaal Zulfiqar recalls Bollywood career setback
British Pakistani actor Mikaal Zulfiqar has opened up about his experience working in Bollywood, recalling how a promising phase of his career across the border came to an abrupt halt amid changing political circumstances.
In a viral clip from his recent television appearance, Mikaal candidly reflected on the period when his career in India appeared to be gaining momentum.
According to the actor, things had initially been going well, and considerable hype was beginning to build around him in India. He explained that Pakistani actors are naturally drawn to opportunities in Bollywood because of its larger scale, bigger productions, compelling stories and professional working environment.
“When you get an opportunity like that, obviously you take it,” he said while discussing why Pakistani artists often choose to work across the border.
However, Mikaal recalled that the situation changed dramatically following the 2008 Mumbai attacks, after which opportunities for Pakistani artists in India were severely affected.
He pointed out that such sudden restrictions could leave actors in a difficult position. According to Mikaal, when Pakistani artists shift much of their professional focus towards India, they can gradually lose momentum and connections within their own industry. If opportunities across the border are then suddenly cut off, they may find themselves caught between two industries.
Mikaal also criticised the continued tension and fear surrounding relations between the two countries, suggesting that political hostility has increasingly affected cultural and sporting exchanges as well.
Referring to cricket, he questioned why tensions had reached a point where even basic sporting gestures, such as shaking hands, could become controversial.
The actor was also asked whether he would consider returning to Bollywood if offered another opportunity.
Mikaal, who has appeared in Indian projects including Baby alongside Akshay Kumar, said he would be open to working in India again if he were invited with respect, treated equally and not exploited.
However, he made it clear that Pakistani artists were not desperate for opportunities across the border, adding that many actors were doing well while working in Pakistan's own entertainment industry.
His remarks have once again reignited the conversation around cross-border artistic collaboration and the impact political tensions can have on actors whose careers and opportunities extend beyond national borders.